Webb man pleads guilty to attempted murder

A Webb man pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony charges in connection to shooting at game wardens in Henry County.

According to court records, Richard Yeager, 53, of Furnie Folks Road, was arrested Nov. 17, 2007, the same day as the shooting. Yeager pleaded guilty in front of Circuit Court Judge Butch Binford.

Yeager pleaded guilty to all the original charges he faced, including two felony counts of attempted murder, felony shooting into an unoccupied building or vehicle, second-degree criminal mischief and misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon.

John Steensland III, who represented Yeager along with James Parkman III, said his client was given a 20-year sentence after he pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge. As part of that sentence, Steensland said Yeager would serve a four-year prison term with the other 16 years suspended.

“He’ll serve four years, day for day,” Steensland said. “Our client was happy, and I think it was a very good deal.”

Steensland said Yeager also pleaded guilty to a first-degree attempted assault charge, which was reduced from attempted murder. He was given a 10-year sentence, which will be served concurrently. Yeager also received a 10-year prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to felony shooting into an unoccupied building or vehicle, which will also be served concurrently.

District Attorney Doug Valeska could not be reached for comment.

According to a previous Dothan Eagle report, Yeager was charged with pulling a pistol and firing on the two game wardens. They subdued Yeager and he was arrested and taken into custody.

He has been held in the Henry County Jail since his arrest. Steensland his client will receive credit for time served while waiting for trial.